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Biomedical subjects

J L Richard

Publications and source records attributed to J L Richard.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Absence of detectable fumonisins in the milk of cows fed Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg culture material.

Fumonisins, a group of mycotoxins produced by the ubiquitous fungi Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum, were first identified about eight years ago. They have been shown to cause a variety of health effects in animals, including epidemiological evidence of esophageal cancer in humans. Cattle are less sensitive to ill effects than horses and swine. Fumonisins are common contaminants of low quality grain fed to cattle. Culture material containing fumonisins (FB1, FB2, and FB3) was mixed into the total diet and fed for 14 days to two midlactation Jersey cows to determine if fumonisins are excreted in milk. The dietary equivalent of fumonisin was approximately 75 ppm and the two cows consumed an average of 3 mg fumonisin B1/kg body weight (bwt)/day. Fumonisins were not detected in any of the milk samples by two analytical laboratories using methods with a sensitivity of 5 ng/ml. Except for transient diarrhea at the beginning of the contaminant feeding period and an increase in serum cholesterol, clinical and hematologic changes were not observed in the animals. The appearance or carry over of fumonisins from feed to milk in dairy cows does not appear to be significant and likely not a hazard or food safety concern for humans.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1996

The relationship of blood pressure with glucose, insulin, heart rate, free fatty acids and plasma cortisol levels according to degree of obesity in middle-aged men.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships of blood pressure with carbohydrate metabolism, sympathetic activity and cortisol at different levels of body mass index in middle-aged men. METHODS: Cross-sectional data concerning men studied in the Paris Prospective Study I were analysed. The cohort included 6424 subjects aged 40-53 years at entry, who were not being treated for hypertension or diabetes and had no overt heart disease. The parameters analysed were glucose, insulin and free fatty acids levels, all assessed during fasting by the subject and 2 h after a 75 g glucose load, resting heart rate and morning plasma cortisol levels. RESULTS: Subjects with systolic blood pressure > or = 160 mmHg had significantly higher glucose concentrations at any body mass index level whereas the difference in insulin levels between the subjects with and without high systolic blood pressure increased with body mass index. Heart rate, free fatty acids level and cortisol level were significantly higher in men with high systolic blood pressure. However, these parameters showed significant decreasing trends with body mass index. In normotensives, no such trends were observed. When analysing data according to diastolic blood pressure, the limit being 95 mmHg, similar results were obtained for glucose and insulin levels, but no trend in heart rate, free fatty acids level and cortisol level with the body mass index level was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Mean glucose concentrations are higher in hypertensive men at all body mass index levels, whereas relative hyperinsulinaemia is present only in the more corpulent hypertensives. Heart rate, free fatty acids level and morning plasma cortisol level are elevated in hypertensive subjects at any body mass index level, but particularly in the lean ones with high systolic blood pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Coronary disease in France: data from the MONICA registers (1985-1991)].

The MONICA Project is an international project co-ordinated by the World Health Organisation. The objective of this study is to assess fluctuations in coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality and morbidity. From 1985 to 1991 a continuous and exhaustive registration of acute coronary events (15,775 cases among which 12,789 men and 2,986 women) was carried out in the 3 French MONICA Centres Lille, Strasbourg and Toulouse. During this period, the average rate of CHD mortality according to the death certificates was higher for men in Lille (93/100,000 inh) and Strasbourg (84/100,000 inh) than in Toulouse (57/100,000 inh). The official rates are close to those found by the MONICA Registers if documented myocardial infarctions only are taken into account. If sudden deaths are included, these rates must be multiplied by 1.6. In terms of evolution, official statistics showed an improvement with a mortality decrease of 33%. For the MONICA Registers which include sudden deaths, the decrease was only 20%. Official statistics underestimate coronary death rate and overestimate the decrease tendency. Morbidity rates between the South and the North of France are close, and when compared to Northern Europe countries, France is in an area of moderate incidence. The favourable evolution of coronary disease frequency hides in fact a contrasted evolution: improvement in myocardial infarction recurrence and worsening of incidence. The example of CHD proves that registers provide relevant information for a prevention policy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Therapeutic management of myocardial infarction: trends observed in the MONICA-France project between 1985 and 1991].

This paper describes the trends observed in the treatment of myocardial infarction within the three French MONICA registers between 1985 and 1991. Data, collected according to the WHO-MONICA Protocol, relate to the initial care of patients and the treatment they were prescribed. In this study 2974 cases are included. The time delays before hospitalization do not change in spite of an increasing use of mobile emergency care units. In all three centers there is a strong progression of thrombolysis, increasing from 12% to 41% in Strasbourg, from 21% to 47% in Toulouse and from 31% to 35% in Lille. Antiplatelet drugs rise from 11% to 76% in Strasbourg, from 39% to 85% in Toulouse and from 33% to 76% in Lille. Beta-blockers also progress in the three centers. Prescription of anticoagulants, nitrates and antiarrythmics is constant. In contrast calcium blockers are less prescribed. Duration of hospital stay is much longer in Strasbourg. In Toulouse the resort to coronary angiography (96%) and to angioplasty (51%) is much more frequent than in the two other centers. Similar trends in the three regions reflect the results of the secondary prevention trials conducted in the last years. Differences concern mainly treatments and procedures that were less studied before 1991. It will be interesting to study the trends in the following years in order to estimate the influence of the trials on the homogeneity of practice in the three centers.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Bayesian estimation of p-aminohippurate clearance by a limited sampling strategy.

This study describes a methodology to calculated p-aminohippurate (PAH) clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (V) with both the population parameters and one or two samples taken during the disposition and the elimination phase after a single intravenous infusion. The computer program P-PHARM was used, and a log-normal distribution and a heteroscedastic residual error distribution were assumed. Ninety-six patients with and without renal insufficiency were available for analysis, and a two-compartment model was used for data modeling. Population parameters were evaluated for 70 patients (mean number of observed concentration per individual, 6) by a three-step approach. In step 1, the computer program was used to estimate the average pharmacokinetic parameters without taking into account the demographic and/or biological factors. In step 2, the relationship between the posterior individual estimates and the covariables was investigated with multiple linear stepwise algorithm. In step 3, the population parameters were re-estimated considering the relationship with the covariables. From the regression performed in step 2, the following covariables were included: serum creatinine, body surface area, and body weight. The population averages of CL and V were 30.7 +/- 2.36 L/h and 10.6 +/- 1.29 L, respectively. To evaluate the predictive performance of the population parameters, the remaining 26 patients were used. The population parameters combined with one or two individual PAH plasma concentrations led to a bayesian estimation of individual CL and V. This estimation was compared with the classical procedure of parameter estimation (individual fitting from multiple blood samples).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Production of gliotoxin during the pathogenic state in turkey poults by Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius.

Turkey poults were given either of two different dosages of two different gliotoxin-producing strains of Aspergillus fumigatus. Infected lung tissue was examined postmortem for the presence of gliotoxin. Gliotoxin was found in lung tissue of ten poults infected with one strain and in seven of ten poults infected with the other strain. Concentrations of gliotoxin in the tissue exceeded 6 ppm in some of the infected tissues. The concentration of gliotoxin found in infected tissue did not appear to be correlated with the dosage of organism given. Considering the pathologic changes observed in turkey poults with aspergillosis and the production of gliotoxin during the pathogenic state in turkey poults, gliotoxin is considered likely to be involved in avian aspergillosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Multiple intracellular signallings are involved in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced c-fos and jun B mRNA levels in clonal prolactin cells.

In mammosomatotropes GH3B6 cells, one of the primary responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is the parallel induction of two proto-oncogenes, c-fos and jun B, which code for constituents of AP1 transcription factor. To better understand the mode of action of TRH and to look for possible functions of c-fos and jun B in these cells, we have investigated the role of different intracellular signals in the induction of each proto-oncogene on the one hand, and on prolactin (PRL) release and PRL gene expression on the other hand. Northern and dot-blot analyses revealed that the activation of protein kinase C (PKC)-, Ca(2+)- or adenylyl cyclase-dependent pathways acutely increased both c-fos and jun B transcripts. However, a gene specific responsiveness was revealed using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) and several combined treatments. The simultaneous activation of PKC and Ca(2+)-dependent pathways resulted in synergistic stimulations of c-fos mRNA levels only. Consistently, ionomycin plus low doses of TPA solely reproduced the potent effect of TRH on c-fos transcripts. Data collected from TRH and TPA down-regulated cells indicated that TRH probably recruits TPA-dependent PKC isoforms for stimulating c-fos but not jun B transcripts. On the contrary, the TRH-induced stimulation of either proto-oncogene likely involves Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms because calcium agonists and the peptide exert non-additive effects. Finally, the synergistic stimulations observed in response to TRH combined with forskolin, indicate that adenylyl cyclase-dependent mechanisms are interconnected with TRH-induced proto-oncogene expression. The overall study also reveals that among the agonists tested, the dihydropyridine Bay K 8644 and forskolin only were capable to induce a long-lasting stimulation of c-fos and jun B mRNA levels, concomitant to increased levels of PRL transcripts, as does TRH. Considering that AP1 is assumed to be involved in signal transmission from the cell surface to the nucleus, it might be thus proposed that a common stimulation of c-fos and jun B gene expression is possibly involved in the activation of the PRL gene. On the other hand, the systematic coincidence between acute PRL release and proto-oncogenes expression suggest a role for c-fos and jun B in the control of genes involved in the secretory process.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1995

Serohematologic alterations in broiler chicks on feed amended with Fusarium proliferatum culture material on fumonisin B1 and moniliformin.

Two hundred twenty-eight male broiler chicks (Columbia x New Hampshire) were given feed amended with autoclaved culture material of Fusarium proliferatum containing fumonisin B1 (FB1) at 61, 193, and 546 ppm, fumonisin B2 (FB2) at 14, 38, and 98 ppm, and moniliformin at 66, 193, and 367 ppm in 3 separate feeding trials (amounts of toxin in each trial, respectively). Birds were started on amended rations at days 1, 7, and 21 and continuing for 14 days. Of serum chemistry parameters, only glucose was significantly decreased. Significant increases were noted in serum cholesterol, sodium, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Of the hematologic parameters, significant decreases were noted in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and white blood cell counts. Immunologic changes included impaired anti-Newcastle disease antibody hemagglutination inhibition titers associated with relative decreases in total serum globulins and increases in albumin/globulin ratios. The changes were noted in all treatment groups when compared to controls.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1995

Effect of topical basic fibroblast growth factor on the healing of chronic diabetic neuropathic ulcer of the foot. A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of topical human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the healing of diabetic neurotrophic foot ulcers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventeen diabetic patients suffering from chronic neuropathic ulcer of the plantar surface of the foot entered a pilot, randomized, double-blind study comparing local application of bFGF with placebo. Main inclusion criteria were a typical neuropathic ulcer of Wagner grade I-III, more than 0.5 cm in the largest diameter, with an abnormally high vibration perception threshold in the absence of significant peripheral vascular disease or wound infection. bFGF or placebo was applied daily during the 6 weeks as inpatients then twice a week for 12 weeks. Evolution of ulcer size was assessed through weekly clinical examination and computerized photographs. RESULTS: In the bFGF group, three of nine ulcers healed compared with five of eight in the placebo group (NS). The weekly reduction in ulcer perimeter and area was identical in both groups, as was the rate of linear advance from entry to the 6th week of treatment (bFGF: 0.053 +/- 0.048 mm vs. placebo: 0.116 +/- 1.129 mm): the same result was obtained at the 11th week. Moreover, percent healed area at the end of the study did not differ significantly. No side effects were observed during bFGF application. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of bFGF has no advantage over placebo for healing chronic neuropathic diabetic ulcer of the foot. Because diabetes causes significant wound-healing defects, we hypothesized that using a single growth factor might be insufficient to accelerate wound closure of diabetic ulcers.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1995

Effect of environmental variables in turkey confinement houses on airborne Aspergillus and mycoflora composition.

Environmental conditions and airborne mycoflora were measured concurrently in 10 turkey confinement houses during warm and cold weather. The following variables in the environment were measured: numbers of feed- and litter-associated yeast and mold fungi, temperature, relative humidity, airspeed, carbon dioxide and ammonia concentration, airborne bacteria, and airborne particulate mass, particle number, and particle size distribution. Winter air in turkey confinement houses contained significantly higher concentrations of Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, and Mucor sp. and significantly lower concentrations of Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Alternaria sp. when compared with summer air. Significantly greater numbers of Mucor sp. were recovered per cubic meter of air where the current turkey flock was present less than 100 d when compared to houses where the current flock resided 100 d or more. Management decisions regarding control of the internal environment of turkey confinement houses apparently influence airborne mycoflora composition.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed1995

Autres pays, autres coeurs? Dietary patterns, risk factors and ischaemic heart disease in Belfast and Toulouse.

The WHO MONICA project monitors trends and determinants in cardiovascular disease to relate classical risk factor changes to trends in incidence rates. The Belfast and Toulouse MONICA centres have also collaborated in dietary studies. Both centres have validated incidence and attack rates for ischaemic heart disease using coronary event registration. These data confirm that the disease in middle-aged men is between three and four times as common in Belfast as in Toulouse. Risk factor surveys show some differences between the centres, but the overall risks assessed by two multiple logistic function scoring systems were identical. A weighed dietary survey revealed no important difference in macronutrient intake, although carbohydrate and saturated fat intake in Belfast was significantly higher. Protein, dietary cholesterol and polyunsaturated fat, particularly linoleic acid intake, was significantly higher in Toulouse, as was consumption of wine, cheese, fruit and vegetables, but not potatoes. The Northern Irish diet is typically Northern European, but although the diet in Toulouse has some features of the Mediterranean diet, it is not appreciably different from that in Belfast in terms of total fat intake. Major differences are present for several food items, and in general these differences add support to the antioxidant hypothesis.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1995

[Antiaggregants, aspirin, myocardial infarction and coronary deaths in the Haute-Garonne area].

The aim of this study was to determine changes in treatment of myocardial infarction between 1986 and 1989 in the Haute-Garonne region and, in particular, to assess the role of aspirin and antiaggregant therapy. The cases of 416 patients admitted to hospital for myocardial infarction in 1986 and 1989 were reviewed. During this period the prescription of acetylsalicyclic acid during the acute phase of myocardial infarction increased threefold (26.4 vs 72.9%; p < 0.001) and fivefold when associated with fibrinolytics, coronary bypass or angioplasty. Similarly, the prescription of aspirin at the time of hospital discharge doubled (from 32.6 to 69.5%; p < 0.001). The dosage of aspirin decreased from 500 mg and more per day in 1986 to a dosage of 250 mg or 100 mg per day in 1989. The most commonly prescribed preparation is lysine acetylsalicylate. The hospital mortality in the Haute-Garonne between 1985 and 1989 has decreased as observed in the Haute-garonne centre of the MONICA project. During the same period, the prescription of aspirin in association with angioplasty, bypass surgery and fibrinolytics, has undergone a remarkable increase. The changes observed during this period of observation are in perfect accord with results already published of therapeutic trials of antithrombotic agents in the acute phase or the post-infarction period (ISIS 2).

Aspirin↗
PubMed1995

[Detection of asymptomatic abdominal aorta in coronary disease patients having undergone coronarography].

Detection of asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAAA) was studied in 780 patients whose coronary disease had been evolving for less than 2 years, who had undergone coronagraphy within the framework of the French ALAC Survey (Autres Localisations de l'Athérosclérose chez le Coronarien--other locations of atherosclerosis in coronary disease) and had an interpretable abdominal aortic echography. Clinical and echographic research detected 19 AAAA cases in 15 men and 4 women aged 53 to 77 years having at coronagraphy at least one stenosis > or = 70% on one of the 3 coronary trunks or > or = 50% on the commun trunk. Among the 577 coronary disease patients with at least one significant stenosis, the prevalence of AAAA was 3.3%. Seventeen aneurysms were missed at abdominal palpation. A subgroup of 458 patients aged 50 to 79 years had significant coronary stenosis without history of aortic surgery. There was no significant difference between the 19 AAAA cases and the 439 cases of coronary disease without aortic aneurysm, as regards risk factors, especially age, high blood pressure and tobacco consumption. On the other hand, the 19 AAAA cases had more diffused and more severe atherosclerotic lesions in the lower limbs and carotid arteries. Abdominal echography is essential for the detection of AAAA in patients with coronary disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

[Treatments of ischemic cardiopathies (IC) and modalities of prescription of aspirin in the three French MONICA centers in 1990].

In 1990, the three French MONICA centres recorded comparable frequencies of myocardial infarction admitted and not admitted to hospital. However, the mortality on the 28th day revealed an excess hospital mortality in Lille compared to Strasbourg and Toulouse (p < 0.001). Toulouse infarct patients were younger. The emergency management of coronary patients subsequently admitted to hospital also differed (16.7% patients in Lille vs 40% in Strasbourg and 24.3% in Toulouse) (p < 0.01). In Lille, 41.6% of patients had known coronary heart disease vs 30.4% in Toulouse and 38.4% in Strasbourg (p < 0.05). These three characteristics influenced the mortality. During admission, considerable differences were observed in the therapeutic strategies in the 3 centres: in Toulouse, angioplasty was predominant (51.4%) together with prescription of calcium channel blockers (65.5%) and aspirin (82.5%). In Lille, there were a high prescription (20.3%) of antiplatelets other than aspirin during the acute phase compared to Toulouse (0.6%) and Strasbourg (7.3%). In Strasbourg, the cardiologists of the department rarely used angioplasty during the acute phase, but were the leading prescribers of beta-blockers. Fibrinolysis was performed in 4 out of 10 patients in the three centres. Aspirin was used in more than 7 out of 10 patients during the acute phase in all MONICA centres, but at a variable dosage: doses greater than or equal to 250 mg per day were prescribed in Toulouse (97.6%) and Strasbourg 82.8%), while, in Lille, only one out of 2 patients received this dosage (50.6%).

Acute Disease↗